EAST MEETS WEST AT PING PONG DIPLOMACY

         The moment I heard that the restaurant "Ping Pong Diplomacy" would be opening up in SM Aura Premier, I was ecstatic for two simple reasons:

                            #1 I'm a huge fan of Chinese food

                                                       &

                            #2 I'm a huge fan of Chef Him Uy De Baron. 

         I've tried Chef Him's take on Japanese Ramen and Korean Bibimbaps, and both times he blew me away. I had an eerie feeling that his take on Chinese-American fusion food would be no different.. And BOY was I right. 

THE ANSWER: ANY ANY AT HOLE IN THE WALL

         I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't tried Your Local yet (I'm rarely ever in Makati, but still, no excuses 😓), but Chef Nicco's reputation from there was he was indeed a chef on the rise. His work with Hey Handsome was the stamp of reaffirmation that the hype around this talented chef was legitimate.  

         It took a few bites from his dishes at Hey Handsome for me to quickly realize that this is one incredibly talented Chef. You see, being a picky eater and all makes me rather adverse to trying ingredients that I'm not familiar with.

       Any Any is a new addition to the Hole In The Wall food paradise, and Chef Nicco takes Malaysia staples Roti and Nasi Lemak, and elevates them to all new heights! 

PICKIEST VLOG: BAD BIRD AT SM MEGA FASHION HALL

        A great percentage of us Pinoys would never turn down a platter of delicious fried chicken. That's why when Bad Bird opened in Hole in The Wall a couple of years ago, it immediately became a smashing success. 

      Bad Bird became the breakout success of Hole in The Way, becoming the first purveyor from the famed food collective to branch out into its own brick and mortar store, with it's first stand alone outlet at SM Mega Fashion Hall!

       

HEY HANDSOME: YOU TALKIN' TO ME?

        I've had the fortunate opportunity to go to Malaysia twice this year, and I must say I absolutely fell in love with the country that I regrettably overlooked throughout my entire existence. More than just a food paradise, the warmth of Malaysia's people, the splendor of it's natural beauty, and the disciplined demeanor of the community, left me spellbound. 

      But yes, the food was truly outstanding. Their rich culture allowed for a plethora of influences from around the world, leaving me to wonder what else from Asian Cuisine have I been missing out on due to my stubborn pickiness? 

     I might not be able to go on a Food tour of Asia anytime soon, however the latest collaboration of renowned Chef Nicco Santos and the Tasteless Group, "Hey Handsome", helped me take a mini tour of Asian Flavors, one plate at a time. 

FEEL THE FREEZER BURN

        I've been a fan of Chef Miko Aspiras since his days in Fairmont Hotel. He created a collection of Macarons, with the most insane flavors known to man, yet he found a way to ensure it was absolutely delicious. So anything that he is involved in usually has my attention. 

     I've seen what he's done with cookies and cakes, but this time I was excited to see what wonders he could make when he delves into the wonderful world of Ice Cream, as he launched his newest concept, called "Freezer Burn". 

SOME FOWL PLAY AT FOWL BREAD!

      I'm always excited when the Tasteless Group comes up with a new food concept! Perhaps one of the most avant-garde restaurant concept groups in the country today The Tasteless Group recently opened yet another new restaurant called "FowlBread" at Bonifacio High Street, whose specialty is delicious Fried Chicken Sandwiches!

      But like I said, this is the Tasteless Group, so you can be rest assured that this is a Fried Chicken Sandwich unlike any you've ever had before!